1902 Oldsmobile Model R Curved Dash Runabout

The Tupelo Automobile Museum Auction|27 April 2019, 10:00 CDT|The Tupelo Automobile Museum

1902 Oldsmobile Model R Curved Dash Runabout
Chassis no. 11108

95ci Single-Cylinder Engine
7bhp at 600rpm
Single Speed Planetary Transmission
Full Length Leaf Spring Suspension Front and Rear with Solid Axles
Single Mechanical Drum Brake on the Axle

*A popular example of early motoring
*Well preserved restoration
*Perfect for Horseless Carriage tours

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Ransom Eli Olds established the Olds Motor Works in Lansing, Michigan in 1897 building his first series produced car, the Model R Curved Dash, until four years later, long before Henry Ford.

The Curved Dash Olds was in many respects exactly what the American market wanted: simple, effective, high off the ground. It looked like a buggy with its elegantly curved dashboard, a term applied first to buggies to ward off the mud and manure thrown up by horses' hooves. With its tiller steering and 2-speed planetary gear transmission it looked and operated in ways familiar to farmers.

Over the years the Curved Dash Olds has been loved by generations of new collectors who want to experience the automobiling their [great] grandfathers knew. Simple, sturdy and intriguing, a Curved Dash Olds will earn admiring looks from passersby and start many conversations that will inform onlookers of the rudiments of the automobile: the Curved Dash Olds is nothing if not rudimental.

This 1902 Oldsmobile Model R Curved Dash Runabout is powered by a 7bhp single cylinder engine (rated 4½hp by ALAM) and has no truss rods, relying on the simple leaf spring suspension characteristic of the earliest Model Rs. It features a black livery with red accents on the wooden body is completed with black leather upholstery. On all four corners matching black spoke wheels with white rubber tires can be found. This Olds was subject to a very fine restoration at an unspecified period of time, but as the vehicle sits today, still presents in wonderful condition.

Driving America's first "production" automobile is an experience that every enthusiast should enjoy.

Saleroom notices

Please note, the correct chassis number is 17087 and the title will be in transit.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Please Note the Buyer's Premium for this auction is as follows:
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium. For MOTOR VEHICLE property the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.
For AUTOMOBILIA and other non-motor vehicle property, the premium is 27.5% on the first $3,000 of the bid price, 25% of the amount exceeding $3,000, up to and including $400,000, 20% of the amount exceeding $400,000, up to and including $4,000,000, and 13.9% on any amount exceeding $4,000,000.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
Payment for purchases may be made in or by (a) cash, (b) cashier's check or money order, (c) personal check with approved credit drawn on a U.S. bank, (d) wire transfer or other immediate bank transfer, or (e) Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit or charge card for returning clients only. Please note that only non-motor vehicle lots' may be paid for by credit card and cash, and the amount of cash notes and cash equivalents that can be accepted from a given purchaser may be limited. Credit cards may not be used to pay for motorcar purchases.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact [email protected].
Special Car Dealer Notices
, number 47502960100
- Automobilia
- Cars